Sheepdogs: Saskatoon band is among acts set for Western Fair this fall

If you don’t like the smell of wet sheepdog fur, there’s no need to fret.

You might remember, the last time the Sheepdogs were slated to play the Western Fair, the bearded blues-rockers got rained out. That won’t happen again this year.

That’s because this time around, the big-name music shows at the fall classic will take place in the fair’s Agriplex building.

“I think that they’re happy that they get a chance to come back,” said the fair’s Heather Blackwell, who is in charge of rural and urban affairs.

The scruffy group from Saskatoon, which rose to prominence six years ago by being the first-ever unsigned band to make the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, is known for such numbers as I Don’t Know and The Way It is.

Capacity at the Agriplex is 2,000 and Blackwell calls it a “smaller, interactive venue.”

Also on the marquee this year are 54-40, LoCash and Cam. Stalwart London rocker Sarah Smith will open for 54-40 on Sept. 8.

At least one London music expert — Forest City country-radio personality Leigh Robert — gives the lineup her seal of approval.

“It’s a diverse lineup. 54-40 will draw a crowd looking for familiarity. They know what they’re going to get,” Robert said.

“Sheepdogs have revived a roots/rock sound and have developed a loyal following since winning the cover of Rolling Stone.”

The band is often compared to the Allman Brothers and other southern-fried rockers.

“We typically want to hit rock, country, pop,” Blackwell said.

This September, the country part of the equation is being filled by LoCash and Cam.

“LoCash has had one huge hit that launched their career, and they haven’t played in Canada that often. They will have fans that will want to see them,” said Robert, who also thinks the pairing of Cam with opener Madeline Merlo is an inspired one.

“Cam broke into the country music scene with Burning House and helped to pave the way for more female singer/songwriters. Madeline is moving up quickly in the Canadian country scene. Country fans will pay to see their favourite artists, even if they’re just on their way up,” Robert noted.

According to Blackwell, programming an event like the Western Fair is more of an art than a science — with a little luck mixed in.

At one time, the fair was the only place in London to see big acts, but no more. It all depends on who’s available, who’s affordable and who’s hot.

“It is a bit of a challenge,” Blackwell said. “It is tough, but it’s enjoyable.”

“We get a lot of feedback from our customers.”

Fair-goers should see a difference this year.

“I think there was a strategy to take the music out into the midst of the fair-goers” in the past, Blackwell said.